He’s set up an airline, owned a chain of record shops, and claimed the world record for flying a balloon across the Pacific. Now Richard Branson has also been voted the country’s most inspirational over-60-year-old.

He beat broadcasting treasure David Attenborough and the Queen in a Saga nationwide poll of more than 2,000 people across all age groups.

He is one of three businessmen in the top ten, along with Alan Sugar and James Dyson, which also featured theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking.

Unsurprisingly, our poll revealed that 48% of people think hard work an important inspirational characteristic, followed by dedication and contribution to society (both 40%).

Creativity got fewer votes at 18%, but it’s clearly still important: five of the six women in our top 20 are actresses, and the list also includes Paul McCartney and Stephen Fry.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn got almost three times as many votes as Theresa May, who was seen as inspirational by just over 1% of respondents – only marginally more than rocker Ozzy Osbourne.

Do you agree?

Populus questioned 2,101 people nationwide on November 15 and 16, 2017

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The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by Saga unless specifically stated.

The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, medical or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.

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